CMYK Optimizer software : Alwan Color Expertise, world leader in standardization and implementation of color management, is releasing version 3 of CMYK Optimizer, the optimal solution for color preflighting, standardization and optimization for CMYK separations and data. Customers benefit from using CMYK Optimizer by achieving optimal print quality and proof matching while, at the same time, reducing print costs. Version 3 further expands on Alwan CMYK Optimizer's technological advantages, thanks to its full support of the latest ICC colour management system, Adobe PDF v8 library and state-of-the-art Alwan Dynamic DeviceLink Profiles. It will debut at GraphExpo, Chicago in September 2007.

CMYK Optimizer software
New image enhancement technology allows Alwan users to enhance individual images embedded in their PDF files. Alwan Image enhancement technology includes intelligent algorithms that will improve the visual appearance of all images using the Alwan unique image-dependent approach. This technology includes dynamic contrast, sharpness and color saturation, among other features.

Adobe PDF Library v8.0
Integration and full support of the latest Adobe PDF Library v8.0 for a comprehensive and industry standard PDF handling. Alwan Color Expertise and Datalogics, Inc., an Adobe Portfolio Company, recently signed a licensing agreement enabling Alwan to embed true Adobe PDF technologies into its AlwanColorHub framework and CMYK Optimizer Software. Use of the Adobe PDF Library 8.0 enables Alwan software to fully support the latest Adobe PDF specification, handling and color management, including PDF 1.7.

Ghent PDF Working Group
Support of the latest Ghent PDF Working Group specifications and guidelines for PDF color management and handling, assuring files from Alwan CMYK Optimizer comply to this standard. New html-based interface allows users to monitor and control Alwan CMYK Optimizer production workflow remotely from any computer connected to Internet, using any popular browser.

CMYK Optimizer software - Improved processing speed
Elie Khoury, founder and President of Alwan Color Expertise is excited about the new features: “It’s all about controlling color at every stage of the workflow, where standardization is key. With version 3, Alwan takes CMYK Optimizer to the next level by providing tools to assess and standardize files, proofs and prints automatically. This results into faster make-readies, better, more consistent proof matches and noticeable reduction of print cost. An increasing number of companies are adopting ISO 12647 as a standard for graphic arts. Color management, and specifically ICC-based color management, is one of the layers on which ISO standardisation can rely and work efficiently within fully digital workflows. Version3 makes it happen!”

CMYK Optimizer - Printing
Alwan CMYK Optimizer enables design and prepress companies to quickly and accurately produce documents for problem-free printing. Printers gain the ability to control and improve the printability of jobs by optimizing separations according to the process, press and paper used. Files standardized using CMYK Optimizer generate accurate proofs that are easy to reproduce on press while facilitating optimal printability.

Standardize & Control color
The need to standardize and control color at every stage of production has taken Alwan and its unique color management software into a wide range of markets. The company is active with printers (CMYK Optimizer Print, Print Gold and Print Platinum editions) as well as photographers and publishers (Photographers and publishers (CMYK Optimizer Photo and Publish editions). Alwan CMYK Optimizer v3 provides tailored solutions for each set of users.

AlwanColorHub framework
In addition, a number of companies have valued Alwan’s technologies and established OEM relationships, either bundling Alwan products or integrating Alwan technologies. Alwan continues to further elaborate its partnership strategy with OEMs supporting ISO Standards and ISO standardization globally. Recently new partnerships were announced with industry leading companies in PDF, workflow, data, prepress, softproofing and hardproofing applications such as Dalim Software, Datalogics, Enfocus/Artworks, Gradual Software and PerfectProof. With the new calibration features Alwan is strengthening its market position as a company focused on standards. The new version allows users not only to standardize their data, but also to standardize their presses following the AlwanColorHub framework, a comprehensive and powerful application that allows users to choose the type of color processing they need to apply to their images and files in a very simple and modular way.

CMYK optimizer software - Price & Availability
Version 3 will be commercially available as of September 9th 2007, at a purchase price of €1,990/$2,590 for the Photo version, or €4,990/$6490 for the Publish version. For print versions and upgrades we refer to one of the many Alwan official resellers and consultants worldwide. Alwan has expanded it’s network of value added specialist over the last couple of months and has also relaunched a new website to promote the new products and partners. It will be exhibited for the first time at Graph Expo 07 on stand 4868, where Alwan will be sharing a stand with their US reseller La Crosse Litho.

Alwan Color Expertise
Alwan Color Expertise was founded in Lyon, France, in 1997 by the current President Elie Khoury and his vision - to demonstrate how standardizing and controlling colour throughout every stage of production - has resulted in the company becoming a world leader in standardization and colour management implementation. Today, Alwan provides software, consultancy and training to key players throughout the graphic arts industry, from printers to publishers and from software developers to hardware manufacturers. Alwan Color Expertise offers a choice of four full-featured software solutions within the Alwan CMYK Optimizer product family. Each delivers specialized capabilities that enable all partners along the graphic production line to guarantee the colour accuracy of their work, while ensuring optimum production further down the line. The different versions of Alwan CMYK Optimizer can seamlessly communicate with each other via a Settings file that is integrated within the software. Photographers, publishers and printers can work using the same standards, in complete security.